In a monumental announcement that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Seattle Mariners CEO Greg Brownlow and his family have officially confirmed that Ken Griffey Jr., the legendary outfielder and face of the franchise for over a decade, will return to the organization in 2025 as the Chief Baseball Officer.
Griffey, a 13-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. His iconic swing, effortless grace in center field, and unforgettable smile made him a household name — not just in Seattle, but across the globe. Now, after years of semi-retirement and various advisory roles, “The Kid” is stepping back into the spotlight in a major leadership capacity.
“Ken has always been more than a player to this organization — he’s the heart and soul of Mariners baseball,” said Brownlow during a packed press conference at T-Mobile Park. “This new chapter isn’t just about legacy. It’s about building a championship culture with someone who knows exactly what it takes.”
As Chief Baseball Officer, Griffey will oversee all baseball operations, including player development, scouting, analytics, and roster construction. He will work closely with General Manager Justin Hollingsworth and Manager Scott Servais to shape the future of the franchise.
Sources close to the team indicate that Griffey has already begun evaluating internal talent and will have “full autonomy” to make executive-level decisions about the direction of the club.
When asked about his vision for the team, Griffey was candid:
“This city gave me everything. Now it’s my turn to give something back — and that means bringing a World Series title to Seattle. I’m not here for a farewell tour. I’m here to win.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the Mariners, who narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024 despite a strong second-half surge. With a promising young core led by Julio Rodríguez and a pitching staff on the rise, Griffey’s appointment is widely seen as a move to push the team over the top.
Fans wasted no time flooding social media with support, with hashtags like #GriffeyReturns, #TheKidIsBack, and #ChiefGriffey trending within minutes.
One fan outside the stadium summed it up:
“This is bigger than baseball. It’s a homecoming.”
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